By Connie Weight cweight@nebraska.tv Twitter @ntvconnieweight
The popularity of our winged friends brings out a friendly competition and the chance to be a future Miss America.
It's all smiles and waves at the Merryman Performing Arts Center, as the first "Miss Crane Festival" pageant comes to a close. Two winners, Miss Kearney and Miss Crane Festival were crowned Sunday night.
This is Kearney's first scholarship pageant in years, and both winners say it's a great way to represent the area.
"I never imagined myself ever competing in the Miss America system," said Miss Kearney winner Kaylee Carlberg. "So for this to be my first America local and to win it is beyond anything I could have imagined, so who knows what's in store."
"I think it's awesome. I'm so happy they're growing. I'm thrilled the Miss Nebraska organization is growing, and having more locals, especially in Kearney." said Miss Crane Festival winner Chrissy Townsend. "Kearney is a big city where there's plenty of things to do, especially with the crane festival going on, and there should be someone representing it."
Both winners will go on to compete in the Miss Nebraska scholarship pageant this June.
Organizers plan to make this an annual event.
REPORTER'S NOTES: Along with the titles, both winners will receive $500 in scholarship money.
